Cream vs. Powder; which is the right choice for you? If you are 100% new to the whole contouring experience, I would recommend sticking with creams, as they are easier to build and use. The pigment content of some powder formulas might be lighter, but it also can be trickier to apply.
However, as time passes and your skill level advances, feel free to go right ahead and try adding some powder products to the repertoire. Either way, a contour palette often helps you make the most of your choices and efforts, whether you choose a crème or powder.
Keep in mind that contouring with cream requires different methods than contouring with powder. I’ll go over both, as you may want to read through each technique in advance and decide which sounds most appropriate for your skill level and personal goals. It all depends on if you want to use it every day or if it is something you’ll experiment with only for nights out, special events, and so on.
PRO TIP: If you have dry skin, it may be best to steer clear of powder products altogether, as they'll only accentuate blemishes.
How to Contour with Cream Products
To do basic contouring with a cream product, you will use your finger to map out the contour on the area beneath the cheekbones, under the chin, and around the sides of your face if you want to highlight the chin or lengthen the face. Also, apply to the sides of the nose if you want to thin the bridge.
After that, you do the same but with the highlighting product instead. This time draw it along the upper cheekbones, along the bridge of the nose, and upward into the t-area above the brows and the center of the forehead. Apply it to the chin as well.
Blending is the real key, and a damp beauty blender or brush are a real asset for such times. You will use a dabbing motion to blend and merge the colors creating a natural finish. The applicator allows you optimal control as it features a finer tip perfect for blending along with the nose.
If using cream products, you will find it best to use lighter hues below the eye after doing the initial blending. A dab on the chin and the center of the t-zone can also create a lot of brightness.
The final step is to just set the makeup with a loose powder applied with a fluffy brush. The powder should be sheer or translucent for the best results.
How to Contour with Powder Products
If you are skilled with makeup brushes, contouring with powders should not be too challenging. If you are not familiar with the use of brushes then it may take a bit of practice.
The technique requires you to use the contouring powder and an angled brush in the same ways that an application of cream would be made under the cheekbones and along with the areas of the face where shadow needs to be increased.
The lighter powder is applied to the highlighted areas, and then a gentle circular brushing motion with a blush or foundation brush is applied to insure optimal blending. Keeping brushes free of loose powder ensures the cleanest and most natural look.
The key to contouring of any kind is to take a lot of time to find the ideal shades for your natural complexion or your general skin tone. If you need a little more help check out my article: “How to choose the right contour.”
Practicing is also essential with contouring. Don’t give up if your first efforts fail to meet your expectations. This is a very specialized technique, but one you can master if you spend some time experimenting with light and shadow and how it appears on your natural facial structure. Then finish a cream or powder application with your choice of blush, eyeshadow, and lip color, and be ready to contour your day!
Sara was born and raised in the Czech Republic. In 2012, she moved to the US and worked many jobs but never felt fulfilled, which lead her to share her story and her passion for fitness (former fitness professional), nutrition tips (vegan) and makeup. She is also a new mom. Sara and her husband welcomed their baby boy in June 2020.
Sara is a makeup junkie at heart and decided to start her own business to help women look and feel their best. She loves supporting other business moms feel beautiful inside and out as they work to create their own destinies. You could find out more about her HERE.
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